### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **therapeúō**, represented by `{{G2323}}`, primarily means **to relieve (of disease)**, but also carries the figurative meaning **to adore (God)** or **to wait upon menially**. It appears **44 times** across **43 unique verses**. This dual sense of the word illustrates a deep connection between physical restoration and spiritual service or worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Gospels, `{{G2323}}` is overwhelmingly used to describe the healing ministry of Jesus. He is shown **healing** all manner of sickness and disease among the people as a core part of his work, alongside teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom ([[Matthew 4:23]], [[Matthew 9:35]]). This power was not His alone; He gave His disciples authority to **cure** diseases and cast out devils ([[Luke 9:1]], [[Matthew 10:8]]). The act of healing was so central it became a point of conflict, with religious leaders questioning if it was lawful to **heal** on the Sabbath [[Matthew 12:10]]. In a different context, the word is used to mean **worshipped**, as when Paul states in Athens that God is not **worshipped** with men's hands as though He needed anything [[Acts 17:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of healing and service:
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength): This word highlights the source of the ability to heal. Jesus gave his disciples **authority** over unclean spirits and to heal diseases [[Matthew 10:1]].
* `{{G3554}}` **nósos** (disease, infirmity, sickness): This is the malady or sickness that is the object of healing. Jesus is frequently described as healing people of diverse **diseases** ([[Matthew 4:24]], [[Mark 1:34]]).
* `{{G2395}}` **iatrós** (physician): This term provides a contrast between human and divine healing. A woman who had spent all her living on **physicians** could not be healed by any of them, but was healed by Jesus [[Luke 8:43]]. Jesus also uses the proverb, "**Physician**, heal thyself" [[Luke 4:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2323}}` is demonstrated through its consistent usage in key moments of ministry.
* **Sign of the Kingdom:** Healing is presented as a direct sign that the kingdom of God has arrived. The disciples are commanded, "**Heal** the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" [[Luke 10:9]].
* **Demonstration of Compassion:** Christ's motivation for healing is often rooted in His divine pity. The scripture states He was "moved with compassion" toward the multitude and **healed** their sick [[Matthew 14:14]].
* **Delegated Authority:** The power to **heal** is explicitly given by Jesus to His followers, linking them to His mission. He gave the twelve disciples power to **heal** all manner of sickness and disease [[Matthew 10:1]] and to **cure** diseases [[Luke 9:1]].
* **Restoration and Service:** The connection between healing and worship points to a broader theme of restoration. Healing restores a person physically, while true worship is the proper service offered to the God who restores all things. God is not **worshipped** by human hands as if in need, but He is the one who gives life and breath to all [[Acts 17:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2323}}` is a powerful word that encapsulates both divine action and the human response. While it most often refers to the literal, miraculous healing that characterized the ministry of Christ and his apostles, its figurative use for worship connects the act of service to God with the restoration He provides. It demonstrates that the authority of the Kingdom of God brings wholeness to both body and spirit, curing physical **disease** and calling for spiritual adoration.
TRV